Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 416: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that special needs pupils and their special needs assistance currently being accommodated at a centre (details supplied) will be facilitated at another location. [20992/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. The responsibility also includes identifying appropriate educational placements for individual children with special educational needs.

I understand that the SENO is actively involved in discussions with the school authorities regarding an alternative location for the pupils in question. The level of SNA support for the children will be determined by the NCSE with reference to the care needs of the children and the level of SNA support available in the school(s) in which they enrol to identify whether additionality is needed or whether the school(s) might reasonably be expected to meet the needs of the pupils from its current level of resources.

The responsibility for the appointment of SNAs rests with the Board of Management of the school(s) in question.